Artificial urinary sphincter with adjustable gripping force

Abstract

An artificial urinary sphincter includes a cuff member, a hollow cylinder, a spring, and a cable. The cuff member includes a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer defining an internal pocket between the first layer and the second layer. The cuff member is configured to enclose the patient's urethra when the cuff member is wrapped around the patient's urethra. The hollow cylinder is configured to be placed inside the patient's body. The spring is disposed inside the hollow cylinder. A first portion of the cable is disposed inside the internal pocket. The first portion of the cable is configured to occlude the patient's urethra by gripping the patient's urethra when the first portion of the cable is withdrawn from the internal pocket. The first portion of the cable is configured to unocclude the patient's urethra by releasing the patient's urethra when the second end of the spring is pulled toward the first end of the hollow cylinder.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical implants, particularly to artificial sphincters, and more particularly to artificial urinary sphincters. [Background technology]

[0002] Urinary incontinence is generally defined as the involuntary loss of urine. Simply put, urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine. In other words, urinary incontinence is the inability to hold urine in the bladder due to loss or weakening of conscious control of the urethral sphincter. Urinary incontinence is a much more common problem than most people think. For example, in the UK, it is estimated that at least 3 million people suffer from urinary incontinence, or about 5% of the total UK population. The US Department of Health and Human Services estimates that about 13 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence.

[0003] Treatment of urinary incontinence also depends on the type of incontinence, the severity of the problem and the underlying cause. In most cases, doctors suggest that patients try at least invasive treatments such as behavioral techniques and physical therapy, and then move on to other options only if these techniques fail. Behavioral techniques include bladder training, toilet scheduling and dietary management. Physical therapy includes pelvic floor muscle exercises and electrical stimulation. Often, medications are used in conjunction with behavioral techniques.

[0004] There are also several medical devices available, such as urethral inserts, which are small, tampon-like, disposable devices that are inserted into the urethra and act as a plug to prevent leakage. If other treatments are ineffective, several surgical procedures can be used to correct the problem causing urinary incontinence. These surgical procedures include sling procedures, bladder neck suspension, and artificial urinary sphincter prostheses.

[0005] There are known urethral sphincter appliances that consist of a trick balloon that tightly binds the urethra, which can be inflated by utilizing a small syringe made of a flexible synthetic material and placed in the testicles of men or the labia majora of women. An auxiliary reservoir placed in the abdominal cavity and connected to the syringe and balloon by a tube can inflate or deflate the balloon using physiological fluid pushed by the syringe. This reservoir contains the device and can reverse the direction of the fluid flow that inflates and deflates the balloon. The surgical implantation of this urethral sphincter appliance is very cumbersome, as it is made from three subassemblies connected to pipes through which the physiological fluid flows. This urethral sphincter appliance can be associated with several drawbacks. For example, this urethral appliance is relatively bulky and ergonomically poor, which contributes to the patient's psychological discomfort. There is also a risk of leakage of these physiological fluids for urine. Furthermore, the size of the balloon can only be adjusted within increments and inflating the balloon causes it to collapse, which creates excessive compression points in the urethra which can cause localized necrosis of tissue.

[0006] This type of urethral sphincter appliance is improved by providing a device for controlling physiological fluids, which are controlled by magnetic means outside the body, but these appliances are also complex due to the various components required and are susceptible to leakage of physiological fluids.

[0007] There are also other artificial urinary sphincters that operate not with physiological fluids, but with a mechanical valve that is controlled directly by a magnetic field applied outside the human body. These types of artificial urinary sphincters consist of a mechanical clip that is provided around the conduit to be sealed, one of whose branches is linked to a solenoid controlled by an internal energy sensor. This sensor receives waves from a transmitter outside the human body, converts them and transmits them to the solenoid to open the clip. Another type of these artificial urinary sphincters is created from a mechanical valve, some of which contain a permanent magnet that is activated by an electromagnet placed outside the human body. In all cases, the magnetic control only controls the valve of the artificial sphincter in an on-off mode, i.e. it only opens and closes it. None of these devices make it possible to regulate the degree to which this mechanical valve is closed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Thus, there is a need for a simple, inexpensive, and ergonomic artificial urinary sphincter that minimizes patient discomfort and minimizes the risk of injury with long-term use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed implementations. The appropriate scope of the present disclosure can be ascertained from the claims set forth below in light of the following detailed description and drawings.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure describes an artificial urinary sphincter. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed artificial urinary sphincter may include a cuff member, a hollow cylinder, a spring, and a cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the cuff member may include a first layer and a second layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer and the second layer may define an interior pocket between the first layer and the second layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the cuff member may be configured to encircle the patient's urethra when the cuff member is wrapped around the patient's urethra and a distal end of the cuff member is attached to a proximal end of the cuff member.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the hollow cylinder can be configured to be disposed inside a patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring can be disposed inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the cable can be disposed inside the internal pocket. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the cable can be associated with a first end of the cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the cable can be connected to a first end of the cable.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the first end of the cable may be attached to a distal end of the cuff member. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the cable may be configured to occlude the patient's urethra through gripping the patient's urethra when the first portion of the cable is withdrawn from the internal pocket. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion of the cable may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion of the cable may be associated with the second end of the cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the cable may be connected to the second portion of the cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the cable may be attached to the second end of the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end of the spring may be attached to the first end of the hollow cylinder.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the spring can pull the first portion out of the internal pocket through pushing the second end of the spring and the second end of the cable toward the second end of the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the hollow cylinder can be associated with the second end of the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the hollow cylinder can be connected to the second end of the spring.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the cable may be configured to unocclude the patient's urethra by releasing the patient's urethra when the second end of the spring is pulled toward the first end of the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter may further include a movable part attached to the second end of the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable part may be slidably disposed inside the hollow cylinder.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, when the movable part moves inside the hollow cylinder and toward the first end of the hollow cylinder, the second end of the spring may move toward the first end of the hollow cylinder and the first portion of the cable may unblock the patient's urethra through releasing the patient's urethra.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the movable part can include a magnetic material and can be configured to bias the second end of the spring to move inside the hollow cylinder and toward the first end of the hollow cylinder, and to compress the spring when the magnet moves toward the first end of the hollow cylinder.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter may further include a first cuff adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a maximum gripping force applied from the cuff member to the patient's urethra. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cuff adjustment mechanism may include an adjustment cable and an adjustment screw. In an exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the adjustment cable may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, a first end of the adjustment cable may be attached to a second end of the spring. In an exemplary embodiment, a first end of the adjustment cable may be associated with the first portion of the adjustment cable.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the adjustment cable can be attached to the adjustment screw. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable can be configured to pull the first end of the spring toward the second end of the hollow cylinder when the adjustment screw is twisted in a first rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring can be configured to bias the first end of the spring to move inside the hollow cylinder and toward the first end of the hollow cylinder when the adjustment screw is twisted in a second rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first rotational direction can be opposite to the second rotational direction.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter may further include a second cuff adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a maximum gripping force applied from the cuff member to the patient's urethra. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cuff adjustment mechanism may include an adjustment cylinder, a spiral groove, and a cap portion.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment cylinder may include a hollow structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment cylinder may be rotatably disposed about the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment cylinder may include a longitudinal groove on an inner surface of the adjustment cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, a helical groove may be provided on an outer surface of the hollow cylinder.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion may be slidably and rotatably disposed inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion may be disposed on the movable portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion may include a pin on an outer surface of the cap portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin may be slidably disposed inside the longitudinal groove and the helical groove. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion may be configured to limit the movement of the movable portion inside the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, when the adjustment cylinder rotates about the first axis, the cap portion may move up and down inside the hollow cylinder.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion can be configured to move up inside the hollow cylinder when the adjustment cylinder rotates about the first axis and in a third rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion can be configured to move down inside the hollow cylinder when the adjustment cylinder rotates about the first axis and in a fourth rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the third rotational direction can be opposite to the fourth rotational direction.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the second cuff adjustment mechanism may further include a locking mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism may include a locking pin, a locking spring, and a plurality of pin receiving holes. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pin may be slidably disposed inside the locking hole of the base. In an exemplary embodiment, the base may be attached to a hollow cylinder.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking spring can be disposed between the base and the pin plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin plate can be attached to the locking pin. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking spring can be configured to bias the locking pin to move upward inside the locking hole by exerting an upward force on the pin plate.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of pin receiving holes may be provided at a bottom end of the adjustment cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of pin receiving holes may be configured to receive a locking pin. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pin may be configured to prevent rotational movement of the adjustment cylinder about the axis of rotation when the locking pin is inserted into a pin receiving hole of the plurality of pin receiving holes. In an exemplary embodiment, a locking spring may be disposed about the locking pin.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pin may include a handle attached to the pin plate. In an exemplary embodiment, when the handle is pulled down in a first direction, the locking pin may disengage from the adjustment cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, when the handle is released, a locking spring may push the locking pin up inside the locking hole.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter may further include an electric motor and a pull cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric motor may be disposed below the hollow cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the pull cable may be interconnected between the electric motor and the movable part. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric motor may be configured to utilize the pull cable to pull the second end of the spring toward the first end of the spring when the electric motor rotates in a first rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric motor may be further configured to release the second end of the spring when the electric motor rotates in a second rotational direction.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter may further include a solenoid in communication with the electric motor. In an exemplary embodiment, the solenoid may be configured to provide an induced current to the electric motor. In an exemplary embodiment, when the magnet moves toward the solenoid, the electric motor may rotate in a first rotational direction.

[0029] The drawings depict one or more implementations consistent with the present teachings, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, in the drawings, like reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates an exemplary artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a cuff member consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter when implanted inside a patient's body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] 1 illustrates an open view of a cuff member consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C]1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter in a scenario where a cuff member grips a patient's urethra and the patient's urethra is occluded, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter in a scenario in which the patient's urethra is released and unobstructed, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2E] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter when implanted inside a patient's body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustment cylinder consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hollow cylinder consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] 1 illustrates a cap portion consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6E] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6F] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter in a scenario in which a second end of the spring is pulled towards a first end of the spring, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6G] 1 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter in a scenario in which a second end of the spring is pulled towards a first end of the spring, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of example in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and / or circuits have been described at a relatively high level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

[0032] The following detailed description is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the methods and devices disclosed in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, specific terms are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary to practice the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The description of the specific exemplary embodiments is provided as a representative example only. Various modifications of the exemplary implementations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown, but is intended to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0033] Disclosed herein is an artificial urinary sphincter. An exemplary artificial urinary sphincter may include a cuff member, a hollow cylinder, a spring, and a cable. The cuff member may be wrapped around the patient's urethra and a distal end of the cuff member may be attached to a proximal end of the cuff member. A first portion of the cable may be disposed inside an interior pocket of the cuff member. A first end of the cable may be connected to the first portion of the cable and attached to a distal end of the cuff member. A second portion of the cable may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder. A spring may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder. A second end of the cable may be connected to the second portion of the cable and attached to a top end of the spring.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the spring may push up the second end of the cable inside the hollow cylinder, thereby withdrawing the first portion of the cable from the internal pocket and occluding the patient's urethra. The magnetic portion may be attached to the top end of the spring. In an exemplary scenario, when a user intends to urinate, the user may pull down the first end of the spring by moving the magnet towards the bottom end of the exemplary spring. In an exemplary embodiment, when a user intends to urinate, the magnet may approach the bottom end of the spring in such a way that the distance between the magnet and the bottom end of the spring is less than one centimeter. By pulling down the first end of the spring, the cable may be loosened and the patient's urethra may be unoccluded. In an exemplary embodiment, by utilizing such an artificial urinary sphincter, when the patient's urethra is occluded by the cuff member and an undesirable excessive force is applied to the patient's bladder, the applied excessive force may urge the cuff member to unocclude the patient's urethra, thereby preventing any negative consequences of urine retention in the patient's bladder. In other words, the disclosed artificial urinary sphincter may provide a safety feature for the patient.

[0035] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, in an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may include a cuff member 102. FIG. 1B illustrates a cuff member 102 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, in an exemplary embodiment, the cuff member 102 may include an internal pocket 122. FIG. 1C illustrates the artificial urinary sphincter 100 when implanted inside the body of a patient 110 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, in an exemplary embodiment, the cuff member 102 may be configured to surround a urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the patient 110 may refer to a person who has a urethra and is unable to retain urine in his or her bladder due to lost or weakened voluntary control of the urethral sphincter. In an exemplary embodiment, as the cuff member 102 encircles the bladder 112 of the patient 110, the cuff member 102 may form a circle around the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the cuff member 102 may be made of a flexible material that may allow the cuff member 102 to be easily moved or deformed. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may wrap the cuff member 102 around the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may point to a surgeon. In an exemplary embodiment, the cuff member 102 may act as a belt around the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may then attach the proximal end 124 of the cuff member 102 to the distal end 126 of the cuff member 102. FIG. 1D illustrates an open view of the cuff member 102 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 1D , the cuff member 102 may include a first attachment member 123 at a proximal end 124 of the cuff member 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the cuff member 102 may further include a second attachment member 125 at a distal end 126 of the cuff member 102. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may attach the first attachment member 123 to the second attachment member 125 after wrapping the cuff member 102 around the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the first attachment member 123 may include a first pair of suture holes 1232. In an exemplary embodiment, the second attachment member 125 may include a second pair of suture holes 1252.In an exemplary embodiment, a user can wrap the cuff member 102 around the urethra 112 of the patient 110 and then attach the first attachment member 123 to the second attachment member 125 by sewing the first attachment member 123 to the second attachment member 125 using the first pair of suture holes 1232 and the second pair of suture holes 1252.

[0036] FIG. 2A illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may further include a hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the hollow cylinder 202 may be placed inside the body of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may place the hollow cylinder 202 inside the perineum (not shown) of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may further include a spring 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring 204 may be placed inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring 204 may be replaced with any elastic object that stores mechanical energy and changes the length of the object when an external force is applied to the elastic object. For example, the spring 204 may be replaced with an elastic rubber.

[0037] FIG. 2B illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may further include a cable 206. In an exemplary embodiment, a first portion 262 of the cable 206 may be disposed inside the internal pocket 122. In an exemplary embodiment, a first end 264 of the cable 206 may be attached to the distal end 126 of the cuff member 102. In an exemplary embodiment, a first end 264 of the cable 206 may be attached to the second attachment member 125. In an exemplary embodiment, a second portion 266 of the cable 206 may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion 266 of the cable 206 may be disposed inside the spring 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion 266 of the cable 206 may be disposed outside the spring 204 and inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end 268 of the cable 206 may be attached to the second end 244 of the spring 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring 204 may urge the second end 244 of the spring 204 and the second end 268 of the cable 206 toward the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, as the spring 204 urges the second end 244 of the spring 204 and the second end 268 of the cable 206 toward the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202, the first portion 262 of the cable 206 may be withdrawn from the interior pocket 122. In an exemplary embodiment, as the first portion 262 of the cable 206 is withdrawn from the interior pocket 122, the cuff member 102 may contract, thereby causing the cuff member 102 to grip the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, when the cuff member 102 grips the urethra 112 of the patient 110, the urethra 112 of the patient 110 may be obstructed such that urine may not be able to pass through the urethra 112 of the patient 110. Figure 2C illustrates the artificial urinary sphincter 100 in a scenario where the cuff member 102 grips the urethra 112 of the patient 110 and the urethra 112 of the patient 110 is obstructed, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may further include a movable part 209. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable part 209 may be slidably disposed inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable part may include a magnet. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable part 209 may be made of a magnetic member. In an exemplary embodiment, when the movable part 209 is slidably disposed inside the hollow cylinder 202, it may mean that the movable part 209 is disposed inside the hollow cylinder 202 in such a way that the movable part 209 can move linearly inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable part 209 may be capable of moving linearly along a sliding axis 294 inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the sliding axis 294 may coincide with a main longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable part 209 may be attached to the second end 244 of the spring 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable portion 209 may be disposed on the spring 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end 268 of the cable 206 may be attached to the second end 244 of the spring 204 through attaching the second end 268 of the cable 206 to the movable portion 209. In an exemplary embodiment, when the movable portion 209 moves toward the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202, the cable 206 may slacken. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable may slacken when the tensile stress in the cable is zero. In other words, the cable may slacken when no external force is applied to the cable. In an exemplary embodiment, when the cable 206 becomes slack, the first portion 262 of the cable 206 may slacken accordingly, thereby allowing the cuff member 102 to release the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, when the urethra 112 of the patient 110 is released, the urethra 112 of the patient 110 may be unoccluded. In an exemplary embodiment, once the urethra 112 of the patient 110 is unobstructed, urine may be drained from the bladder through the urethra 112 of the patient 110. Figure 2D illustrates the artificial urinary sphincter 100 in a scenario in which the urethra 112 of the patient 110 is released and unobstructed, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the movable portion 209 may be made of a magnetic material. In an exemplary embodiment, when a portion of the magnetic material is placed inside the magnetic field of a magnet, the portion may be biased to move toward the magnet. In an exemplary embodiment, when a magnet is placed near the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202, the movable portion 209 may be attracted toward the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the patient 110 may unblock the urethra 112 of the patient 110 by moving the magnet toward the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the patient 110 may unblock the urethra 112 of the patient 110 by bringing the magnet close to the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202 in such a way that the distance between the magnet and the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202 is less than one centimeter. In an exemplary embodiment, due to the absence of an external magnetic field, the movable part 209 may be placed at the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202, so that the urethra 112 of the patient 110 may be blocked as discussed above. Then, due to the absence of an external magnetic field, urine may not be able to pass through the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, when the patient 110 intends to urinate, the patient 110 may be able to expel urine from the bladder of the patient 110 through the urethra 112 of the patient 110 by placing a magnet near the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the cylinder 202 may be placed inside the body of the patient 110 in such a way that the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202 is placed near the skin of the patient 110, so that the patient 110 may be able to easily place a magnet near the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202. 2E illustrates the artificial urinary sphincter 100 when the artificial urinary sphincter 100 is implanted inside the body of a patient 110, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG 2E, the patient 110 may place a magnet 250 near the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202 to unblock the urethra 112 of the patient 110, and urine may then drain from the bladder of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnet 250 may include a magnetic portion, a magnetic inductor, an electromagnetic inductor, or a combination thereof.FIG. 3 illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may further include a first cuff adjustment mechanism 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cuff adjustment mechanism 300 may include an adjustment cable 302. In an exemplary embodiment, a first portion 322 of the adjustment cable 302 may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, a first end 324 of the adjustment cable 302 may be attached to the second end 268 of the cable 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 324 of the adjustment cable 302 may be attached to the second end 268 of the cable 206 in a manner such that the adjustment cable 302 and the cable 206 create a single / integral cable. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 324 of the adjustment cable 302 may be attached to the second end 244 of the spring 204 through attachment of the first end 324 of the adjustment cable 302 to the movable portion 209. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion 322 of the adjustment cable 302 may be disposed inside the spring 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring 204 may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder 202 but outside the spring 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cuff adjustment mechanism 300 may further include an adjustment screw 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end 326 of the adjustment cable 302 may be attached to the adjustment screw 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the second portion of the adjustment cable 302 may be wrapped around the adjustment screw 304. In an exemplary embodiment, as the adjustment screw 304 is twisted in a first direction, the adjustment cable 302 may be wrapped longer around the adjustment screw 304, such that the movable part 209 may move toward the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, as the movable part 209 moves toward the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202, the cable 206 may slacken, such that a gripping force that may be applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 may decrease. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping force may refer to a normal force that may be applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 to occlude the urethra 112 of the patient 110.In an exemplary embodiment, when the adjustment screw 304 is twisted in a second direction, the length of the adjustment cable 302 that remains wrapped around the adjustment screw 304 may be shortened, resulting in the movable part 209 moving toward the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, when the movable part 209 moves toward the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202, the cable 206 may be tightened, resulting in an increase in the gripping force that may be applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cuff adjustment mechanism 300 may be used to tighten the cable 206. In an exemplary embodiment, after the artificial urinary sphincter 100 is implanted, the first cuff adjustment mechanism 300 may be used to tighten the cable 206 so that the cable 206 can properly transmit the gripping force. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cuff adjustment mechanism 300 may enable the same size of the artificial urinary sphincter 100 to be used for different patients with different urethral sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, when the movable part 209 moves down inside the hollow cylinder 202, the cable 206 may slacken. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cuff adjustment mechanism 300 may be used to tighten the cable 206 and compensate for the slack of the cable 206.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the first cuff adjustment mechanism 300 may provide significant advantages. For example, a user, e.g., a surgeon or patient 110, may be able to control the gripping force applied by the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 by twisting the adjustment screw 304 in a first direction and / or a second direction. For example, the surgeon may increase the gripping force applied by the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 by twisting the adjustment screw 304 in a clockwise direction and decrease the gripping force applied by the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 by twisting the adjustment screw 304 in a counterclockwise direction. LetIn an exemplary embodiment, for example, without utilizing the first cuff adjustment mechanism 300, when the magnet 250 is positioned near the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202, the movable part 209 can be placed at the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202, so that the urethra 112 of the patient 110 can be tightly gripped by the cuff member 102. On the other hand, in the absence of the magnet 250, the movable part 209 can be placed at the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202, and the cuff member 102 can completely release the urethra 112 of the patient 110. Therefore, without utilizing the first cuff adjustment mechanism 300, the surgeon or the patient 110 cannot fully control the gripping force applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment screw 304 may be positioned inside the body of the patient 110 in a manner that places the adjustment screw 304 close to the skin of the patient 110 so that the surgeon or the patient 110 may be able to easily twist the adjustment screw 304 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, excessive gripping force, i.e., force greater than a threshold amount, applied to the urethra 112 may damage the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the threshold amount of force may be sufficient such that the cuff member 102 grips the urethra 112 but does not damage the urethra 112. As a result, in a first stage of using the artificial urinary sphincter 100 with the patient 110, the adjustment screw 304 may be adjusted in such a way that the cuff member 102 applies a relatively low force to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 so as to minimize the possibility of damage to the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, applying a relatively low force to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 may refer to applying a pressure of between 1000 Pascals and 2500 Pascals to the urethra 112 of the patient 110. However, after an extended period of use of the artificial urinary sphincter 100 on the patient, the force previously applied to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 may no longer be able to fully grip and occlude the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In this scenario, the adjustment screw 304 may be twisted in a second direction to increase the gripping force applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110, such that urine leakage from the urethra 112 of the patient 110 may be prevented or minimized. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping force may refer to a normal force that may be applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 to occlude the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, after an extended period of use of the artificial urinary sphincter 100, the urethra 112 of the patient 110 may atrophy, such that the size of the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may be altered to grip the urethra 112 of the patient 110 more tightly. To change the size of the artificial urinary sphincter 100 to grip the urethra 112 of the patient 110 more tightly, the movable portion 209 can be moved down inside the hollow cylinder 202, thereby loosening the cable 206. In an exemplary embodiment, to tighten the first cable 206 and compensate for the loosening of the cable 206, the adjustment screw 304 can be twisted in a second direction to increase the gripping force applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110.

[0042] FIG. 4A illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may include a second cuff adjustment mechanism 400. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cuff adjustment mechanism 400 may be configured to adjust the maximum gripping force applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cuff adjustment mechanism 400 may include an adjustment cylinder 402. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment cylinder 402 may be slidably and rotatably disposed about the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, when the adjustment cylinder 402 is rotatably disposed about the hollow cylinder 202, it may mean that the adjustment cylinder 402 is disposed around the hollow cylinder 202 in such a manner that the adjustment cylinder 402 can rotate about an axis, such as the axis of rotation 422. In an exemplary embodiment, the axis of rotation 422 may be the same as the main axis of the hollow cylinder 202 and the adjusting cylinder 402. In an exemplary embodiment, when the adjusting cylinder 402 is rotatably disposed about the hollow cylinder 202, it may be the same as the scenario where the hollow cylinder 202 is rotatably disposed inside the adjusting cylinder 402. FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the adjusting cylinder 402 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4B, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjusting cylinder 402 may include a longitudinal groove 424. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal groove 424 may be provided on an inner surface 426 of the adjusting cylinder 402. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal groove 424 may be provided on an inner surface 426 of the adjusting cylinder 402 in such a way that the main axis of the longitudinal groove 424 is parallel to the axis of rotation 422. FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of the hollow cylinder 202 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, the hollow cylinder 202 may include a spiral groove 430 on an outer surface 432 of the hollow cylinder 202 .

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the second cuff adjustment mechanism 400 may further include a cap portion 404. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion 404 may be slidably and rotatably disposed inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, when the cap portion 404 is slidably and rotatably disposed inside the hollow cylinder 202, it may mean that the cap portion 404 is disposed inside the hollow cylinder 202 in such a way that the cap portion 404 can rotate about and move linearly along the rotation axis 422. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion 404 may be disposed on the movable portion 209. In an exemplary scenario, when the cap portion 404 is placed on the movable portion 209, when the cap portion 404 moves downward inside the hollow cylinder 202, the cap portion 404 may bias the movable portion 209 to move downward with the movable portion 209, but when the cap portion 404 moves upward inside the hollow cylinder 202, the movable portion 209 may not follow the cap portion 404. FIG. 4D illustrates the cap portion 404 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4D, in an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion 404 may include an internal chamber 442. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal chamber 442 may be configured to receive the movable portion 209, and in an exemplary embodiment, a diameter 4422 of the internal chamber 442 may be slightly larger than an outer diameter 292 of the movable portion 209.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion 404 may further include a pin 444 on an outer surface 446 of the cap portion 404. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin 444 may be slidably disposed inside the longitudinal groove 424 of the adjusting cylinder 402. In an exemplary embodiment, when the pin 444 is slidably disposed inside the longitudinal groove 424 of the adjusting cylinder 402, it may mean that the pin 444 may be disposed inside the longitudinal groove 424 of the adjusting cylinder 402 in such a way that the pin 444 may move linearly inside the longitudinal groove 424 of the adjusting cylinder 402. In an exemplary embodiment, in an exemplary scenario when the pin 444 is slidably disposed inside the longitudinal groove 424 of the adjusting cylinder 402, as the cap portion 404 moves up and down inside the hollow cylinder 202, the pin 444 may also move up and down inside the longitudinal groove 424 of the adjusting cylinder 402. In an exemplary embodiment, moving upward inside the hollow cylinder 202 may refer to moving inside the hollow cylinder 202 toward the second end 224 of the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, moving downward inside the hollow cylinder 202 may refer to moving inside the hollow cylinder 202 toward the first end 222 of the hollow cylinder 202.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the pin 444 may be disposed inside the helical groove 430. In an exemplary embodiment, when the pin 444 is disposed inside the helical groove 430 and the cap portion 404 rotates about the rotation axis 422, the inner surface of the helical groove 430 may urge the pin 444 to move inside the helical groove 430. For example, when the cap portion 404 rotates in a clockwise direction about the rotation axis 422, the helical groove 430 may urge the pin 444 to move downward inside the helical groove 430. Then, in an exemplary embodiment, when the cap portion 404 rotates in a clockwise direction about the rotation axis 422, the cap portion 404 may move downward inside the hollow cylinder 202. When the cap portion 404 rotates in a clockwise direction about the rotation axis 422, the helical groove 430 may also urge the pin 444 to move upward inside the helical groove 430. It can then be seen that as the cap portion 404 rotates counterclockwise about the rotation axis 422 , the cap portion 404 can move upward inside the hollow cylinder 202 .

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the pin 444 may be disposed inside the longitudinal groove 424 and the helical groove 430. In an exemplary embodiment, when the adjusting cylinder 402 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 422, the pin 444 is disposed inside the longitudinal groove 424 of the adjusting cylinder 402, so that the cap portion 404 may rotate around the rotation axis 422 in synchronization with the adjusting cylinder 402. On the other hand, when the cap portion 404 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 422, the cap portion 404 may move downward inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, when the adjusting cylinder 402 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 422, the pin 444 is disposed inside the longitudinal groove 424 of the adjusting cylinder 402, so that the cap portion 404 may rotate around the rotation axis 422 in synchronization with the adjusting cylinder 402. On the other hand, when the cap portion 404 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 422 , the cap portion 404 can move upward inside the hollow cylinder 202 .

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the surgeon and / or any other user may be able to move the cap portion 404 downward inside the hollow cylinder 202 by rotating the adjustment cylinder 402 in a clockwise direction about the axis of rotation 422. The surgeon and / or any other user may also be able to move the cap portion 404 upward inside the hollow cylinder 202 by rotating the adjustment cylinder 402 in a counterclockwise direction about the axis of rotation 422. In an exemplary embodiment, the surgeon and / or user may be able to adjust the maximum gripping force that may be applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 by rotating the adjustment cylinder 402 in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction about the axis of rotation 422. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap portion 404 being at a higher position inside the hollow cylinder 202 may mean that the movable portion 209 may be able to move upward inside the hollow cylinder 202, which may result in a larger gripping force being applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110. Thus, the user may be able to increase the maximum gripping force that may be applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 by rotating the adjustment cylinder 402 in a clockwise direction about the rotation axis 422. In an exemplary embodiment, when the adjustment cylinder 402 is rotated in a clockwise direction about the rotation axis 422, the cap portion 404 may move upward inside the hollow cylinder 202, which may result in the movable portion 209 being able to move upward inside the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, when the movable portion 209 can move upward inside the hollow cylinder 202, the cuff member 102 can grip the urethra 112 of the patient 110 more tightly. The surgeon can also reduce the maximum gripping force that can be applied from the cuff member 102 to the urethra 112 of the patient 110 by rotating the adjustment cylinder 402 in a counterclockwise direction about the rotation axis 422. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment cylinder 402 can be placed close to the skin of the patient 110 so that the user can easily rotate the adjustment cylinder 402 about the rotation axis 422. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cuff adjustment mechanism 400 can provide a significant advantage.For example, when the artificial urinary sphincter 100 is damaged and unable to function properly, e.g., due to a car accident, the surgeon may be able to easily rotate the adjustment cylinder 402 about the rotation axis 422 to unblock the urethra 112 of the patient 110, thereby allowing the bladder of the patient 110 to drain.

[0048] FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom perspective view of the artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, in an exemplary embodiment, the second cuff adjustment mechanism 400 may include a locking mechanism 502. FIG. 5C illustrates an exploded view of the artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5C, in an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism 502 may include a locking pin 522, a locking spring 524, and a plurality of pin receiving holes 526. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pin 522 may be slidably disposed inside the locking hole 512 of the base 514. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 514 may be attached to the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 514 and hollow cylinder 202 may be manufactured without seams to create a one-piece part.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking spring 524 may be disposed around the locking pin 522. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking spring 524 may be disposed between the base 514 and the pin plate 5222. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin plate 5222 may be attached to the locking pin 522. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin plate 5222 and the locking pin 522 may be manufactured without seams to create a one-piece part. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking spring 524 may be configured to apply an upward force to the pin plate 5222. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking spring 524 may be configured to apply an upward force to the pin plate 5222, thereby biasing the locking pin 522 to move upward inside the locking hole 512.

[0050] 5C , in an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of pin receiving holes 526 can be provided in a bottom end 542 of the adjustment cylinder 402. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of pin receiving holes 526 can be configured to receive a locking pin 522. In an exemplary embodiment, when the locking pin 522 is present in one of the plurality of pin receiving holes 526, the locking pin 522 can be configured to prevent or minimize rotational movement of the adjustment cylinder 402 about the axis of rotation 422.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking pin 522 may include a handle 5224 attached to the pin plate 5222. In an exemplary embodiment, a user may disengage the locking pin 522 from the adjustment cylinder 402 by pulling down the handle 5224 in a first direction 525. In an exemplary embodiment, when the locking pin 522 is pulled down inside the locking hole 512 and the locking pin 522 is disengaged from the adjustment cylinder 402, the user may be able to rotate the adjustment cylinder 402 about the rotation axis 422. In an exemplary embodiment, when the handle 5224 is released, the locking spring 524 may push the locking pin 522 up in a second direction 527. In an exemplary embodiment, when the locking pin 522 is pushed up in the second direction, the locking pin 522 may be inserted into one of the pin receiving holes 526. In an exemplary embodiment, when the locking pin 522 is inserted into one of the pin receiving holes 526, the locking pin 522 engages with the adjustment cylinder 402, thereby preventing rotational movement of the adjustment cylinder 402 around the rotation axis 422.

[0052] FIG. 6A illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6C illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6D illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6E illustrates an artificial urinary sphincter 100 consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6E, in an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may further include an electric motor 602 and a solenoid 604. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric motor 602 may be disposed below the hollow cylinder 202. In an exemplary embodiment, a pull cable 606 may be interconnected between the electric motor 602 and the movable part 209. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric motor 602 may be configured to pull the second end 244 of the spring 204 toward the first end 242 of the spring 204 when the electric motor 602 rotates in a first rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric motor 602 may be further configured to release the second end 244 of the spring 204 when the electric motor 602 rotates in a second rotational direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the solenoid 604 may be coupled with the electric motor 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the solenoid 604 may be configured to provide inductive power to the electric motor 602. In an exemplary embodiment, when the magnet 250 approaches the solenoid 604 toward the solenoid 604, the electric motor 602 may rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby pulling the second end 244 of the spring 204 toward the first end 242 of the spring 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnet 250 may include a magnetic portion, a magnetic inductor, an electromagnetic inductor, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, when the spring 204 has a large spring stiffness constant, the electric motor 602 may be used to pull the second end 244 of the spring 204 toward the first end 242 of the spring 204. Figure 6F illustrates the artificial urinary sphincter 100 in a scenario where the second end 244 of the spring 204 is pulled toward the first end 242 of the spring 204, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 6G illustrates the artificial urinary sphincter 100 in a scenario where the second end 244 of the spring 204 is pulled towards the first end 242 of the spring 204, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may further include a controller and a microchip connected to the motor. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller and the microchip may be configured to control the movement of the motor 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller and the microchip may be connected to a Bluetooth or wireless module that may be capable of programming the controller and the microchip when the artificial urinary sphincter 100 is implanted inside the body of the patient 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the cuff member 102 and the amount of stretch of the cable 206 may be independently adjusted through programming. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller and the microchip may aid in developing the artificial urinary sphincter 100 with artificial intelligence. In an exemplary embodiment, the artificial urinary sphincter 100 may be used as an artificial sphincter for the anal sphincter and / or the lower esophageal sphincter.

[0053] While the foregoing has set forth what may be considered to be the best mode and / or alternative examples, it is understood that various modifications thereto may be made, that the subject matter disclosed herein may be embodied in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied to numerous applications, only a few of which are described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications, and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0054] Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, proportions, locations, dimensions, sizes and other details set forth in this specification, including the following claims, are approximate and not exact and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they relate and customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0055] The scope of protection is limited only by the claims which follow, which scope is intended, and should be interpreted, as broad as consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the subsequent prosecution history, to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Nonetheless, no claim is intended, and should not be interpreted in such a manner, to encompass subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of 35 USC 101, 102, or 103. Any unintended inclusion of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0056] Except as noted above, nothing described or shown, whether or not recited in the claims, is intended to, or should be construed to, provide any element, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage or equivalent generally.

[0057] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have ordinary meanings consistent with such terms and expressions with respect to their respective corresponding spaces of investigation and research, unless a specific meaning is otherwise explained herein. Relative terms such as first, second, etc. may be used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or operations. The terms "comprise", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a set of elements may include not only those elements, but also other elements not expressly recited or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "a" or "an" does not, without further limitation, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0058] The Abstract of the present disclosure is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing detailed description, various features are seen to be grouped together in various implementations. This is for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed implementations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim claiming on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0059] Although various implementations have been described, the description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many more implementations are possible within the scope of the implementations. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying drawings and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any implementation can be used in combination with or in place of any other feature or element in any other implementation, unless otherwise limited. Thus, it will be understood that any feature shown and / or discussed in this disclosure can be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the implementations should not be limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents. Various modifications and changes can also be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cuff member configured to surround a body cavity of a patient; An electric motor; an interconnect between the motor and the cuff member, the interconnect including a first cable connected to the motor and a second cable connected to the cuff member; A solenoid connected to the electric motor; Including, the solenoid is configured to provide an induced current to the electric motor; the electric motor is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction in response to the induced current; When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the second cable is slackened via the first cable, reducing the gripping force applied by the cuff member to the body cavity of the patient; When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the second cable is tightened via the first cable, increasing the gripping force applied from the cuff member to the body cavity of the patient.

2. Further comprising a hollow cylinder, the hollow cylinder having a first end and a second end; the interconnect further includes a movable portion attached to the second cable; The movable part is slidably disposed inside the hollow cylinder, 2. The artificial sphincter of claim 1, wherein moving the movable part inside the hollow cylinder toward the first end of the hollow cylinder slackens the second cable and reduces the gripping force applied from the cuff member to the body cavity of the patient.

3. The artificial sphincter further includes a magnet, 3. The artificial sphincter of claim 2, wherein the movable part comprises a magnetic material, and the movable part is configured to move inside the hollow cylinder toward the first end of the hollow cylinder in response to moving the magnet toward the first end of the hollow cylinder, causing the second cable to slacken and reducing the gripping force applied from the cuff member to the body cavity of the patient.

4. The artificial sphincter of claim 1 , further comprising a magnet, the solenoid configured to provide the induced current in response to induction by the magnet.

5. The artificial sphincter of claim 4 , wherein the magnet comprises a magnetic portion, a magnetic inductor, an electromagnetic inductor, or a combination thereof.

6. The artificial sphincter of claim 4 , wherein the solenoid is configured to provide the induced current in response to movement of the magnet relative to the solenoid.

7. A hollow cylinder; A spring disposed inside the hollow cylinder; Further comprising: the hollow cylinder having a first end and a second end; the spring having a first end attached to the first end of the hollow cylinder; the spring has a second end attached to the second cable; The interconnection portion further includes a movable portion slidably disposed inside the hollow cylinder, The first cable is connected between the electric motor and the movable part, the movable part is attached to the second end of the spring; 2. The artificial sphincter of claim 1, wherein when the electric motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the movable part inside the hollow cylinder and the second end of the spring move toward the first end of the hollow cylinder via the first cable, slackening the second cable and reducing the gripping force applied from the cuff member to the body cavity of the patient.

8. 8. The artificial sphincter of claim 7, wherein as the electric motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the second end of the spring is released via the first cable, the second end of the spring moves toward the second end of the hollow cylinder, and the second cable tightens, increasing the gripping force applied to the body cavity from the cuff member.

9. a hollow cylinder configured to be placed inside the patient's body; A spring disposed inside the hollow cylinder; Further comprising: the hollow cylinder having a first end and a second end; the second cable having a first end and a second end; the first end of the second cable is attached to the cuff member; the spring having a first end attached to the first end of the hollow cylinder; the spring having a second end attached to the second end of the second cable; 2. The artificial sphincter of claim 1, wherein the spring is configured to urge the second end of the second cable toward the second end of the hollow cylinder.

10. The artificial sphincter of claim 1 , further comprising a cuff adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a maximum gripping force applied from the cuff member to the body cavity.

11. The artificial sphincter of claim 1 , wherein the body cavity is a urethra.

12. The artificial sphincter according to claim 1 , characterized in that the artificial sphincter is for an anal sphincter.

13. The artificial sphincter according to claim 1 , characterized in that the artificial sphincter is for use as a lower esophageal sphincter.

14. The artificial sphincter of claim 1 , further comprising a controller connected to the motor and configured to control a movement of the motor.

15. The artificial sphincter of claim 14 , wherein the controller comprises a microchip.

16. The artificial sphincter of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to interface with a wireless module for programming the controller.

17. The artificial sphincter of claim 1 , wherein the artificial sphincter is configured to utilize the solenoid to provide the induced current instead of using a battery.

Images